"I couldn't believe it": When Josh Allen was 'disappointed' at not receiving scholarships from Division I colleges

Josh Allen is enjoying his stay at the top of QB ratings for the ongoing season, fighting closely with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow for the NFL MVP award. Although Allen has never won an MVP award, his talent is still unquestionable. However, things weren’t always the same for the Buffalo Bills star QB, who once struggled to fetch a scholarship from Division I colleges.

Mark Schlabach of ESPN reported in December 2017 that Allen had written more than 1000 emails to various coaching staffs; FBS head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators, and other position coaches from Alabama to Washington. But he only received responses from Eastern Michigan and Wyoming.

“Yeah, I was disappointed,” Allen recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. I truly felt like I was a Division I quarterback, and I’d felt that way for a long time. I just wanted other people to see it.”

Allen had a simple method for his requests, and his emails followed the same template: a salutation, brief introduction, and plea for an opportunity. The mail read:

“Hello coach, my name is Josh Allen and I am a quarterback at Reedley JC out of California. I stand at 6’5” 210 lbs and am a full qualifier, and feel like I would be a great fit in your offensive scheme! Please have a look at my hudl [link]. Please get back to me at any convenience! Thank you.”

Despite this, he was forced to choose Wyoming since the Eastern Michigan Eagles withdrew their offer after Allen chose to visit Wyoming during the early signing period. This was still a better stead after having none coming out of Firebaugh High School.

Josh Allen projected to be #1 draft pick in the 2018 NFL draft

Things changed drastically for Josh Allen by the time he was finished with Wyoming. After throwing for over 3,000 yards and 28 TDs in his last season, he was one of the favorites to be the No. 1 draft pick in 2018.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinted at his talent in 2017 when he said:

“There was one personnel director who told me this week that you can put in the books: Josh Allen will be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next year.”

He was eventually picked seventh in a draft that consisted of QB Baker Mayfield, RB Saquon Barkley, and QB Sam Darnold.